Magnetic Rubber@Ni-Co layered double hydroxide derived from ZIF-67 template as nanostructured sorbent; application in determination of anticancer drugs in plasma samples.

In this study, a magnetic three-dimensional nano-composite based on Rubber-Fe3O4@Ni-Co Layered double hydroxide derived from ZIF-67 template was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The proposed nano-composite was used as a sorbent for the enrichment of trace amounts of anti-cancer drugs (dasatinib and erlotinib hydrochloride) from plasma samples followed by determination using high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis (HPLC-UV). The synthesized nano-sorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometer, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda pore size analysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Under optimal experimental conditions, factors affecting on extraction efficiency such as pH, ionic strength, extraction temperature and time, desorption solvent and time, the limit of detection (LODs) and the limit of quantification (LOQs) were obtained as 0.6, 2 µg/L for both of dasatinib and erlotinib, respectively. Also, linear range of the method were 2-500 and 2-1000 µg/L for dasatinib and erlotinib, respectively. Relative standard deviations (RSD%) for the repeatability of extraction on sorbent to sorbent were obtained as 3.59, 1.97 %, and one sorbent reusability were investigated and relative standard deviation values were obtained 5.35, 3.30 % for dasatinib and erlotinib, respectively.

Magnetic Rubber@ magnesium aluminum layered double hydroxide as nanostructured sorbent; application in determination of estrogenic hormones and bisphenol A.

A magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) method was developed for the enrichment of trace amounts of estrone (E1), 17-ß-estradiol (E2) and bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous samples using the Rubber-Fe3O4@SiO2@Mg-Al Layered double hydroxide followed by determination by HPLC. The proposed sorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Vibrating-sample magnetometer, Thermal gravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda pore size analysis and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Factors affecting the extraction efficiency such as pH, ionic strength, extraction temperature and time, desorption solvent and time were optimized. The limit of detection and quantification were obtained as 0.33, 1 µg L-1 for the E1 and E2 and BPA, respectively. Also, linear range of the method were 1-150, 1-100 and 1-150 µg L-1for E1, E2, and BPA, respectively. Relative standard deviations (RSD%) for the repeatability of extraction on one sorbent were obtained as 2.98, 1.31 and 3.50%, also, sorbent to sorbent repeatability were investigated and RSD% values were obtained as 7.58, 8.35 and 8.12% for E1, E2 and BPA, respectively.

Whole Exome Sequencing to Find Candidate Variants for the Prediction of Kidney Transplantation Efficacy.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment strategy for some end-stage renal disease (ESRD); however, graft survival and the success of the transplantation depend on several elements, including the genetics of recipients. In this study, we evaluated exon loci variants based on a high-resolution Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method. METHODS: We evaluated whole-exome sequencing (WES) of transplanted kidney recipients in a prospective study. The study involved a total of 10 patients (5 without a history of rejection and 5 with). About five milliliters of blood were collected for DNA extraction, followed by whole-exome sequencing based on molecular inversion probes (MIPs). RESULTS: Sequencing and variant filtering identified nine pathogenic variants in rejecting patients (low survival). Interestingly, in five patients with successful kidney transplantation, we found 86 SNPs in 63 genes 61 were variants of uncertain significance (VUS), 5 were likely pathogenic, and five were likely benign/benign. The only overlap between rejecting and non-rejecting patients was SNPs rs529922492 in rejecting and rs773542127 in non-rejecting patients' MUC4 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Nine variants of rs779232502, rs3831942, rs564955632, rs529922492, rs762675930, rs569593251, rs192347509, rs548514380, and rs72648913 have roles in short graft survival.

Providing multicolor plasmonic patterns with graphene quantum dots functionalized d-penicillamine for visual recognition of V(V), Cu (II), and Fe(III): Colorimetric fingerprints of GQDs-DPA for discriminating ions in human urine samples.

In this study, a novel fluorescent probe (graphene quantum dots functionalized d-penicillamine [GQDs-DPA]) was developed for the selective identification of Cu2+ , V5+ , and Fe3+ among 26 types of metal ions, which considerably quench the fluorescence intensity of GQD. So, GQDs-DPA was applied as a simple fluorescent probe for facile metal ions recognition in standard solution. The proposed DPA-GQD supported amino acids respond to Cu2+ , V5+ , and Fe3+ , with high sensitivity. The intensity of the fluorescence histogram of this probe significantly diminished in exposure to metal ions such as Cu(II), V(V), and Fe(III). Moreover, a microfluidic paper-based device (µPAD) was fabricated through a facile and cost-effective protocol. Cu2+ , V5+ , and Fe3+ can be selectively recognized by GQDs-DPA using µPAD by naked eye. Also, GQDs-DPA exhibits a linear response for the detection of ions in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1 ppm, with a low limit of quantification of 0.01 ppm in standards samples. The boosted color uniformity, low instrumental needs of the stamp, and disposability of µPADs enable the application of the proposed device for commercial applications in environmental science and technology.

Spectrophotometric determination of lamotrigine in plasma samples: Ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction based on a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent followed by back-extraction.

In this study, sensitive detection of lamotrigine in human plasma samples was realized at a low cost approach through ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction based on using a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent followed by back-extraction (USAEME-DES-BE) method. After extraction, detection and quantification of lamotrigine were done by spectrophotometry in the UV region. The hydrophobicity of the deep eutectic solvent not only eliminates the need of the third solvent as an emulsifying agent but also helps to retrieve lamotrigine from the DES by back-extraction to another aqueous phase. The back extraction process allowed the drug to be measured in the UV region. Central composite design in combination with a desirability function approach was applied for the optimization of the USAEME-DES-BE procedure. Essential factors in the method efficiency were discussed, such as back-extraction solution, time of back-extraction, the ratio of DES components, pH, the volume of DES, salt concentration, and sonication time. The method exhibited a wide dynamic linear range from 0.5 to 10 µg mL-1 and a limit of detection of 0.15 µg mL-1. The established method was successfully applied to determine lamotrigine in human plasma samples with satisfactory relative recoveries.

Magnetic solid phase extraction with carbon-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles coupled to HPLC-UV for the simultaneous determination of losartan, carvedilol, and amlodipine besylate in plasma samples.

In this paper, a chemical coprecipitation method was used for the synthesis of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were then modified by carbon via a simple hydrothermal method by using glucose. The synthesized Fe3O4 and carbon-coated Fe3O4 (C/Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by diverse techniques such as XRD, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, and BET. The characterization results were confirmed the formation of the uniformly magnetic nanoparticles and a successful modification of them by carbon. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups on the C/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles surface. The magnetic nanoparticles were used for extraction of losartan, carvedilol, and amlodipine besylate from plasma samples based on magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) technique. The effective parameters on extraction efficiency were optimized by multivariate optimization. Under the optimized experimental conditions the MSPE method showed wide linear ranges (1-7500 ng mL-1), low detection limits (0.09-0.69 ng mL-1), good extraction recoveries (56.35-66.43%), and low RSD values (1.6-5.8%). Despite high protein binding of the drugs, the analyses of them were done without protein precipitation. The accuracy was studied by analyses of the spiked plasma samples at different concentrations.

Effect of irrigation with detergent-containing water on foxtail millet shoot biomass and ion accumulation.

Water shortage leads farmers to use sewages for irrigation. Sewages contain a large amount of laundry detergent. In this study the impact of irrigation by contaminated water on shoot biomass and seed germination of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) was investigated. The research was conducted as laboratory and pot experiments. Iso-potentials (- 0.042, - 0.077, and - 0.415 MPa) of polyethylene glycol (PEG, water deficit treatment) and laundry detergent (contamination treatment) made the laboratory experiment treatments. The pot experiment included contamination factor (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 g L-1 of laundry detergent) and deficit irrigation factor (irrigation interval of 1, 2, and 3 days). Results of this study showed that at the iso-potential, laundry detergent had more negative effect on seed germination traits when compared with PEG. There was no germination at - 0.415 MPa of laundry detergent. Both drought and contamination reduced dry forage yield, plant height, leaf number, leaf area, leaf dry and fresh weight, stem dry, and fresh weight. Detergent concentration of 10 g L-1 with irrigation interval of 3 days had a forage yield reduction of 63% compared to control (laundry detergent concentration of 0 g L-1 with irrigation interval of 1 day). Detergent concentration of 10 g L-1 with irrigation interval of 1 day had a sodium increase of 1847% compared to control. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended not to irrigate foxtail millet farm by contaminated water with laundry detergent higher than 1 g L-1.

Effect of educational intervention based on locus of control structure of attribution theory on self-care behavior of patients with type II diabetes.

Background: Different factors, such as personality and psychological characteristics, are effective in the self-care and control of diabetes. This study aimed at determining the effect of educational intervention based on locus of control structure of attribution theory on the self-care behavior of patients with type II diabetes. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental controlled study performed on 180 patients in Babol Diabetes Association. The sampling method was simple random sampling. Data collection tool was form C of standard questionnaire in multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) and summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA). Based on the results obtained from the initial completion of the questionnaires, educational intervention was designed as three 60-minute educational sessions using short lectures, question and answer, group discussions, and consultation methods, as well as educational materials, such as films, posters, and pamphlets. Intervention was only performed for the test group. The questionnaires were filled out again 2 and 3 months after the intervention. Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean scores of self-care, internal, chance, and external locus of control between the 2 groups. However, 2 to 3 months after the intervention, the mean scores of self-care (p<0.001) and locus of control (p<0.001) increased in the test group. Moreover, the mean score of chance (p<0.001) and external (p<0.001) locus of control decreased significantly. Conclusion: Educational intervention decreases the mean scores of chance and external locus of control and increases the mean score of internal locus of control; as a result, it improves self-care in patients with diabetes.

Flow injection amperometric detection of insulin at cobalt hydroxide nanoparticles modified carbon ceramic electrode.

Cobalt hydroxide nanoparticles were prepared onto a carbon ceramic electrode (CHN|CCE) using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The modified electrode was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that CHN with a single-layer structure was uniformly electrodeposited on the surface of CCE. The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode toward the oxidation of insulin was studied by CV. CHN|CCE was also used in a homemade flow injection analysis system for insulin determination. The limit of detection (signal/noise [S/N] = 3) and sensitivity were found to be 0.11 nM and 11.8 nA/nM, respectively. Moreover, the sensor was used for detection of insulin in human serum samples. This sensor showed attractive properties such as high stability, reproducibility, and high selectivity.

Desirability function approach for the optimization of an in-syringe ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction method for the simultaneous determination of amlodipine and nifedipine in plasma samples.

In the present study, an in-syringe ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction using a low-density organic solvent was developed for simultaneous extraction and pre-concentration of amlodipine besylate and nifedipine from plasma samples. The extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Central composite design combined with desirability function was applied to find out the optimal experimental conditions providing the highest global extraction efficiency. The optimal conditions identified were volume of the extracting solvent 45 µL, ionic strength 18.95% w/v, sonication time 2.58 min, and centrifugation time 3 min. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method was evaluated, and applied to the analysis of amlodipine besylate and nifedipine in plasma samples. The validation results of the method indicated a wide linear range (2-1200 ng/mL) with a good linearity (r(2) >0.9991) and low detection limits (0.17 ng/mL for amlodipine besylate and 0.15 ng/mL for nifedipine) with RSD less than 5.2% for both components, both in intra- and inter-day precision studies. The applicability of the proposed in-syringe ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection method was demonstrated by analyzing the drugs in spiked plasma samples.

Multi-response optimization of magnetic solid phase extraction based on carbon coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles using desirability function approach for the determination of the organophosphorus pesticides in aquatic samples by HPLC-UV.

The present study investigates the application of carbon coated Fe(3)O(4) (Fe(3)O(4)/C) magnetic nanoparticles as an adsorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of trace amounts of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) from environmental water samples and their determination using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The Fe(3)O(4)/C magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reaction and the resultant material was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared. Central composite design combined with desirability function (DF) was applied to find the experimental conditions providing the highest global extraction efficiency. These conditions were found in correspondence with a solution pH of 9.16, 97.4 mg Fe(3)O(4)/C and 10 mmol L(-1) NaCl added to samples. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method was evaluated, and applied to the analysis of OPPs in water samples. The results demonstrated that our proposed method had wide dynamic linear range (0.05-400 ng mL(-1)) with a good linearity (R(2)>0.9949) and low detection limits (4.3-47.4 pg mL(-1)). High enrichment factors were achieved ranging from 330-1200. The established MSPE-HPLC-UV method has been successfully applied for the determination of the OPPs in spiked water samples (well, tap, river and mineral). Satisfactory recovery results showed that the matrices under consideration do not significantly affect the extraction process.

Preparation and characterization of ceramic/carbon coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle nanocomposite as a solid-phase microextraction adsorbent.

A novel solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber based on a glass tube coated with ceramic/carbon coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle nanocomposite (C-Fe3O4/C MNP) was prepared by sol-gel technique. The carbon coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reaction and the resultant powder was mixed with sol-gel precursors to prepare C-Fe3O4/C MNP. The prepared C-Fe3O4/C MNP was deposited on surface of glass tubes as new substrate with a simple method. The results revealed that this procedure was a simple and reproducible technique for the preparation of SPME fibers coated with magnetic nanoparticles. The scanning electron micrographs of the fiber surface revealed a three-dimensional structure which is suitable as SPME adsorbents. Some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were selected as model compounds for evaluating performance of the designed SPME fiber. The analytes were extracted with SPME, and desorbed using acetonitrile via ultrasonication. The extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The results demonstrated that the proposed method based on the C-Fe3O4/C MNP fiber had wide dynamic linear range (0.01-350 µg L⁻¹) with good linearity (R²>0.990) and low detection limits (0.7-50 pg mL⁻¹). The relative standard deviation ranged from 6.9% to 12.2% for inter-day variations. These fibers were successfully used for the analysis of spiked water samples, which demonstrating the applicability of the home-made C-Fe3O4/C MNP fibers.